Visiting

Record visitor numbers boost Chesterfield economy

New figures showing a record number of visitors to Chesterfield are providing a £175 million boost to the borough’s economy were announced this morning at the Chesterfield Investment Summit.

The industry figures show that in 2017, Chesterfield received 3.7 million visitors, an increase of 5.1 per cent on 2016. This compares with an average 1.3 per cent increase across the rest of Derbyshire.

The year also saw tourism contribute £175.21 million to the Chesterfield economy, a 6.9 per cent increase on 2016.

As a result, the visitor economy sector also supported 2,165 full-time equivalent jobs in Chesterfield, an increase of 4.8 per cent on 2016. This compares with a 2.5 per cent increase across Derbyshire.

Huw Bowen, Chief Executive of Chesterfield Borough Council said: “With the Peak District National Park on our doorstep, Chesterfield has long been a convenient place to visit but the fact we see so many people returning to visit us, shows we have a lot to offer in our own right.

“With attractions such as the world-famous Crooked Spire, the traditional open-air market, two theatres offering major shows and plays, Chesterfield Museum, Revolution House and Barrow Hill Roundhouse, it’s no wonder people choose to visit Chesterfield.

“This is great news for our local economy and we will continue to organise regular events to encourage people to visit the borough and, while they are here, take advantage of the many shops, cafés, restaurants and bars we have on offer here.

“I think it is easy to take what you have on your doorstep for granted but when I talk to visitors they are always very complimentary about Chesterfield and what it has to offer. These latest figures back that up and show how important tourism is to our economy.”

Chesterfield Borough Council organises regular events to attract visitors to the borough, such as the Chesterfield Festival of Cricket which brings in cricket fans from across the country. The next event is the 1940s market which takes place in the traditional open-air market place on Thursday 1 November.

Find out more about visiting Chesterfield and events

Crooked Spire in Spring - Visit Chesterfield

Crooked Spire in Spring

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Experience life on the Western Front at Chesterfield Museum

Visitors to Chesterfield Museum this autumn can experience what life was like for soldiers on the Western Front during the First World War.

Part of the art gallery at the museum, owned and run by Chesterfield Borough Council, will be transformed into a section of a trench like those on the Western Front in France and Belgium from 1914 to 1918.

The trench experience will run from Friday 12 October to Saturday 19 January and has been made possible thanks to £1,500 in funding from Museum Development East Midlands and Arts Council England.

Councillor Steve Brunt, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “This autumn is a special moment in our history marking 100 years since the anniversary of the end of the First World War.

“We came up with the idea of The Trench Experience to give people an insight into what life in a trench would have been like.

“Sights and smells are included to give visitors a good idea of a soldier’s life during the conflict.

“The exhibition also has a local focus on Chesterfield soldiers and visitors will hear extracts from their letters.”

For more information click here.

Could you volunteer your time to help build the Chesterfield Community Poppy Cascade? Click here to find out more.

first world war

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

Children’s TV favourite cast as Chesterfield’s Cinderella

Pomegranate Theatre and Paul Holman Associates have announced that popular Children’s TV Presenter Naomi Wilkinson will star in this year’s spectacular family pantomime in the title role of Cinderella from Saturday 1st December 2018 to Sunday 6th January 2019.

Starting her career as a Butlin’s Redcoat, Naomi soon made a splash as the effervescent host of Channel 5’s Milkshake! which she presented for 10 years. She has been a constant and well-loved face on UK TV screens ever since, notably as the presenter of Marrying Mum & Dad, Countryfile, Finger Tips and Live ’n’ Deadly with Steve Backshall among many others.

Naomi quickly established herself as a Children’s TV favourite, well-loved by children and parents alike for her bubbly, energetic persona and daredevil attitude. She found herself travelling the globe in her own show, Naomi’s Nightmares of Nature, now in its 4th series, in which audiences see her conquer her fears and face extreme challenges including sky diving, swimming with sharks without a cage and coming nose to nose underwater with a 4.8m crocodile in Australia. She was nominated for a prestigious Children’s BAFTA as Best Presenter for her work on the hit show.

Pantomime Producer Paul Holman said: “I’m delighted to have secured Naomi to play Cinderella. Not only will she be adored by audiences of all ages but, as an experienced pantomime performer, she will bring magic to Chesterfield this Christmas’.

Cinderella, also starring Rhydian Roberts (X Factor) as Prince Charming, promises to be Chesterfield’s most enchanting pantomime yet with good old-fashioned family fun and plenty of audience interaction plus sensational special effects, breath-taking costumes and scenery and an exciting line-up of stars ready to whisk audiences off to the ball.

Cinderella runs at Pomegranate Theatre from Saturday 1st December 2018 to Sunday 6th January 2019.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Christmas, Leisure, Visiting

Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon passes 1,000 sign-ups

Event organisers, sponsors and charity partners are ‘overwhelmed’ by support for the 2018 Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon – which is set to become one of the region’s biggest-ever mass participation events after more than 1,000 people signed up to take part.

Following a sign-up total of around 800 in its inaugural outing in 2017 and with more than six weeks still to go until race day, a four-figure turnout is expected across the event’s three main elements – the biggest entry seen in advance of a Chesterfield Half Marathon.

This year’s event will include three separate challenges – the 13.1-mile half marathon, the Peak FM Five Mile Run and Blachford Fun Run. Also open for entries is the team-focused Pronto Paints Wellbeing Challenge, with its £80 entry fee including two entries into each challenge on event day.

Online entries into all elements will remain open until two weeks before the race, with entries into the 1km Blachford Fun Run to be accepted on the day.

The event will be held in aid of multiple good causes, including charity partners Ashgate Hospicecare and Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice. Last year’s Half Marathon raised more than £50,000 for charity, with event organisers hopeful of beating that figure in 2018.

Charity partners are also on the lookout for marshals to get involved on race day, to contribute to an enjoyable, efficient and safe event for runners.

Marshals will be stationed around the course at various points to assist and support participants, as well as local residents and spectators when needed.

John Timms, Event Director at Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon, said: “We’re delighted to have achieved a four-figure sign-up total for the Half Marathon event day already, and we’ve been overwhelmed by the support for this year’s event.

“With around a month still to go until registrations for the Half Marathon come to an end, we’re optimistic of that figure growing even further in the build-up.

“It’ll also be great to see volunteers turn out in large numbers to support the event and our fantastic charity partners. Event marshals played a huge part in the success of the 2017 Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon and will no doubt provide more crucial support this year.”

For more information on the Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon click here.

Ashleigh and Charlie were the fastest male and female runners in the 2017 event.

Half Marathon

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

Visit Peak District website in Top 10 for UK Destinations

New data released by official tourist board Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire reveals for the past six months, the tourist board’s website www.visitpeakdistrict.com has consistently ranked in the top ten most visited sites for around 150 UK destinations, alongside such places as Manchester, Liverpool, Brighton, Bristol, Dorset and the Isle of Wight.

More than a million user sessions were logged between 20 February and 19 August, a rise of more than 37 per cent on the same period in 2017.

The site now also outranks Trip Advisor when people enter the keywords Accommodation in the Peak District and Things to Do in the Peak District on Google.

In addition, the tourist board’s social media following on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram has increased by 22 per cent in the past year from just under 75,000 in July 2017 to more than 92,000.

It was recently revealed that tourism’s value to the Peak District and Derbyshire economy rose to £2.15 billion in 2017 and annual visitor numbers rose to 40.45 million.

Jo Dilley, Managing Director, Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire said: “When we relaunched our consumer website our main aim was to put visitors right at the heart of our planning and offer them a much better, more streamlined experience”

“We’re delighted that, for the first time, we’re ranked in the top ten most visited UK sites out of about 150 UK destinations – previously the best position we’ve achieved has been 13th.

“It’s also great to see that our social media following has grown substantially over the past year, thanks to our emphasis on posting engaging, image-led content – particularly on Instagram, where our following has increased by 46 per cent.

“I’d like to thank everyone in the team for their hard work and commitment to putting the Peak District and Derbyshire where it belongs – as the UK and overseas visitors’ destination of choice, regionally, nationally and globally.”

tourism

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

Value of Peak tourism hits new heights

The value of tourism to the Peak District and Derbyshire economy exceeded all expectations in 2017 – rising by six per cent to £2.15 billion.

New research released by official tourist board Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire reveals that the increase on 2016 was double the average annual rise of three per cent since 2011.

Annual visitor numbers rose to 40.45 million, an increase of more than 1.3 per cent, while the number of full time equivalent jobs supported by the visitor economy is up by almost 2.5 per cent at 28,630.

The latest figures also reveal a trend for more visitors to stay in non-serviced accommodation such as self-catering and at camping and caravanning sites.

Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire said “This is excellent news for the Peak District and Derbyshire economy, and for everyone who lives, works and comes to stay here”

“The significant rise in tourism’s overall value over the past year signals that our long-term policy to run innovative and targeted marketing, PR and social media campaigns to encourage more people to come and stay for longer and to spend more money here is really paying off.”

“The latest figures also show that our efforts to attract more visitors at quieter times of the year to extend the season from February to November are also effective, with more people staying for three or four nights rather than two.”

Vote for the Peak District and Derbyshire in the ‘Best Holiday Region or County’ category as part of the British Travel Awards 2018. Click here to find out more and cast your vote!

 

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

Peak FM launches Shop Local campaign in Chesterfield

Following the success of similar Peak FM initiative Shop Local last summer, this year the radio station has decided to go a step further with a full journalistic investigation into the state of the streets in Chesterfield, combined with an emotive collection of live shows and appearances on the streets.

Shop Local 2018 officially launched at 6am on Monday 20th August when Peak FM Breakfast hosts Ricky and Becky broadcast their breakfast show live from the centre of Chesterfield.

Ricky and Becky were joined by Peak FM’s journalists and events team who spoke with Toby Perkins MP, Chesterfield Borough Council leader Tricia Gilby, market traders, shoppers and campaign groups. During the campaign, the radio station will be asking questions to those in influential positions to get a real steer on Chesterfield’s issues and those in the surrounding towns.

Toby Perkins MP told Peak FM: “It is tempting to walk around and just spot an empty unit, but actually 93 percent of the stores in Chesterfield are being used.”

“We need to recognise the shape of town centres is changing, but also recognise how much better we’re doing than many other towns that I could mention around here.”

Peak FM’s Content Controller Tim Smith is sure the campaign will have impact: “We already have a superb range of shops in Chesterfield, some really innovative independent businesses and one of the biggest markets in Europe. We’re really confident this drive will remind people just how much there is on offer here! So come down – meet Ricky, Becky and the team and let’s show our Chesterfield shopkeepers, market traders and retailers how much we love them!”

To find out more about Peak FM’s Shop Local campaign check out their website or tune in.

Peak FM’s Joe Rawson talks to Toby Perkins MP

Shop Local

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Visiting

Ringwood Hall’s new spa awarded 5 Bubbles

The Ringwood Hall Hotel & Spa has been awarded the prestigious 5 Bubble rating for its newly opened Garden Secret Spa – the first to be awarded within Derbyshire in 2018.

The Bubble rating is awarded by the Good Spa Guide which is the expert guide to the best UK spas and treatments.  Just 21 spas within the UK have achieved 5 Bubbles during 2018.

This latest accolade for Ringwood Hall Hotel & Spa comes just four months after the hotel achieved its 4 Star AA Status.

Meeting a strict inspection covering all aspects of the spa journey, the spa scored top marks in all areas, in particular highlighting the food quality, spa facilities and customer service.

The inspector noted that they loved the impressive gardens, the garden theme and the Lola’s Apothecary treatments, stating: “This hidden gem of a spa embraces nature at every turn, making it a supremely soothing place to escape to.  Treatments are unique and professionally delivered, the facilities are top-notch, customer service is great and the gardens are simply stunning.”

Spa Manager, Jemma Whitney said: “I am delighted that the Garden Secret Spa has been awarded the 5 Bubble status.

I think I speak for everyone at Ringwood Hall Hotel & Spa when I say we are so proud to receive such recognition.  To be the first Derbyshire Spa with 5 Bubbles just makes the hard work the whole team have put in even more rewarding.

I am thrilled that the spa spy loved their Lola’s Apothecary treatment, we are the only spa in the UK to have treatments incorporating this brand and we feel honoured to be associated with such a beautiful product”.

The Garden Secret Spa features a Vitality Pool, Herbal Sauna, Foot Spas, Himalayan Salt Sauna, Blossom Steam Room, Ice Fountain, Experience Showers, Relaxation Lounges, 7 treatment rooms and its own Brassiere.

Ring Wood Hall Garden Secret Spa

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

Accreditation for Chesterfield Museum

Chesterfield Museum, which is owned and operated by Chesterfield Borough Council has had its accreditation renewed by Arts Council England.

This means that the popular attraction on St Mary’s Gate has high standards both for visitors and caring for objects in its collection.

These include:

  • Collections are cared for to a high standard to ensure that they are around for people today and in the future and are well documented
  • Making the museum accessible and widening its range of visitors through exhibitions, events and outreach and educational activities
  • Using different methods to suit visitors such as hands-on activities and talks as well as written information
  • Providing a variety of learning and discovery experiences
  • Working with different partners.

Councillor Steve Brunt, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy said: “Each year thousands of people visit the many and varied exhibitions and activities at Chesterfield Museum and feedback we receive is positive.

“I’m proud that the museum has had its accreditation renewed and would like to thank our staff for the hard work they have put into this over the last two years.”

Receiving the accreditation means the museum can continue to apply for funding from organisations such as Heritage Lottery Fund and Museums Development East Midlands.

Over the last year, the museum has held a variety of exhibitions including Chesterfield on tap looking at the history of Chesterfield’s breweries and mineral water manufacturers, Other Stories in partnership with LGBT+ Derbyshire celebrating stories from LGBT+ communities, and the Vikings.

The current exhibition, Park Life, exploring the borough’s parks and open spaces runs until 15 September.

The museum also holds regular events including the Lego Play Day, Meet George Stephenson and behind the scenes tours. To look at the current programme, visit: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/museum.

Chesterfield Museum is open each Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10am to 4pm – admission is free.

Chesterfield Museum

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Chesterfield Festival of Cricket hailed as a success

Derbyshire Chief Executive Simon Storey has hailed another successful Custom Solar Chesterfield Festival of Cricket, in association with Chesterfield Borough Council.

Over 8,000 people attended the week-long festival across five days of cricket, as Derbyshire claimed a four-day win over Northamptonshire before securing a dramatic Vitality Blast victory against Yorkshire Vikings on Saturday.

The Twenty20 fixture was played in front of a 4,500 sold out crowd at Queen’s Park, the second year in a row the match has been an advance sell out as the popularity of the festival continues to grow.

Storey said: “It was a terrific week of cricket and wrapping it up with victory in the last over against Yorkshire on Saturday capped off a memorable week in the north of the county.

“Queen’s Park is a special venue and Members, supporters and players always enjoy the annual trip to Chesterfield.

“The festival brings many benefits to the local community, with thousands of people visiting the town, while it also provides local school kids and cricket club juniors the opportunity to enjoy county cricket right on their doorstep.

“Taking county cricket to Chesterfield is always a huge operational challenge for our off-field team, Chesterfield Cricket Club and Chesterfield Borough Council. Running a matchday safely at an out-ground is hugely challenging and in particular the operations team led by Jamie Guthrie, ground care team led by Neil Godrich and commercial team led by Ryan Duckett work hard for many weeks in preparation.

“A successful festival also relies on partnerships and the support of the local community. We are fortunate to work with local partners such as Custom Solar and Brampton Brewery, and we also get the full support of Chesterfield Borough Council, Chesterfield Cricket Club and Friends of Queen’s Park Cricket. We are hugely grateful for the support we receive.

“The highlight of the week was undoubtedly another sell-out crowd for the traditional Vitality Blast fixture against Yorkshire, and they were treated to one of the best Twenty20 matches the venue has ever seen.

“Every year we look to improve and grow the festival. One thing we will need to review for future years is our policy around Member tickets for any all-ticket match.

“Our post-match analysis suggests that a large number of Members who claimed tickets in advance did not turn up on the day, which meant we were unable the sell those tickets to other fans who wanted to watch the match. As a result, we missed out on significant income, all of which could have been invested back into the Club. I’m sure Members will appreciate that we will need to look at this as part of our Membership package for next year.

“On the whole, it was a terrific week at Queen’s Park with good crowds, excellent cricket and, most importantly, two wins for Derbyshire.

“What made it more satisfying was to see our young Derbyshire home-grown players play a key role in all the matches. As a Club, we remain committed to the development of our young players and we must continue to build for the future and produce cricketers who can consistently win games for the county.”

Rainbow at Chesterfield Festival of Cricket

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

The Lounges to open Sorbo Lounge in former Chesterfield Post Office

The Lounges, the West Country based restaurant/café/bar group is opening a brand-new site in Chesterfield on Wednesday 8th August 2018. Sorbo Lounge will open on Market Place, creating 25 jobs for local people.

The Lounges have spent £500k transforming the site into a family-friendly retro-inspired cosy retreat, where eclectic artwork and quirky curios sit next to oversized vintage sofas and old school benches, strikingly painted table tops and statement lighting, in the eclectic style much loved by Lounge aficionados.

Particular attention has been paid to families – there is a fine selection of games and books, colouring pencils and pads, a full menu just for Little Loungers and high chairs and baby-change facilities are available for the tiny ones.

Phil Kinsella, Operations Manager, The Lounges, said “We’re really looking forward to throwing open the doors at Sorbo Lounge and showing the locals how to lounge in style. The team are looking forward to becoming part of the community and will support local groups and initiatives wherever possible.”

A community notice board is available for those wanting to publicise events and a book swap area is kept well stocked. The team will also be holding regular fund-raising events as part of their commitment to making a difference in the community. With this in mind the team have chosen to support Fairplay, a local organisation that supports children and young people with disabilities and additional needs, and their families, across North Derbyshire. Sorbo Lounge will donate 50p from every burger and 10p from every coffee sold from their first month of trading to the charity.

Sorbo Lounge will cater for all tastes throughout the day. Whether you’re looking for the best coffee in town, a business lunch with colleagues or a lazy all-day brunch, Sorbo Lounge is the perfect place to relax and unwind. The all-day menu features everything from their famous authentic tapas and Hero Burger to Tin Pan Louie’s beef chilli, packed paninis and the best mac and cheese you’ve ever tasted… or there’s the ever-changing specials menu. Little loungers, vegans and those favouring a gluten-free diet are well catered for with their very own menus.

SORBO LOUNGE IN CHESTERFIELD

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Leisure, Summer, Visiting